United Way of Southeast Alaska, with generous support from Allen Marine, invites you to join us for an evening cruise, delicious food, and thought provoking conversation at Orca Point Lodge on Thursday, May 9, from 5:30-8:30 PM.
Step aboard Allen Marine’s jet-powered catamaran at Don Statter Public Harbor in Auke Bay at 5:30 PM for a 6:00 PM departure. Take part in a thought provoking conversation while relaxing in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin for the 30 minute ride to Orca Point Lodge on Colt Island for dinner. Dinner will include grilled wild Alaska salmon or chicken, corn on the cob, rice pilaf, coleslaw, fresh-hot rolls, dessert. Beer and wine will be available for an additional charge. Return to Don Statter Harbor at 8:30 PM.
Tickets are $100.00 per person and are available online (below) or in our office (3225 Hospital Drive, Suite 201). We encourage you to join us for a great evening of fun, delicious food, and thought provoking conversation.
Guest Speaker:
Joining us in conversation will be Kelley Harvey and Shannon Avenson with the Juneau School District and Jackie D’Cafango Kookesh and Sarah Dybdahl with Sealaska Heritage Institute to discuss successful community programs helping children and youth achieve their potential.
Kelley Harvey
Kelley Harvey is an instructional coach at Riverbend Elementary School. Raised in Juneau, Kelley earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University. Kelley started with the Juneau School District in 1999 as a classroom teacher. Since then, Kelley has served the Juneau School District in various capacities including literacy leader and English as a second language teacher. In 2011, Kelley earnede a Masters in Educational Leadership.
Shannon Avenson
Shannon Avenson is the principal of Riverbend Elementary School in Juneau and a mother of three children. Shannon received a bachelor's degree from Bemidji State University. While teaching high school science in St. Cloud, Shannon earned her Masters in Educational Leadership at St. Cloud State University and licensures in Community Education, K-12 principal, and superintendent. For six years, Shannon served as the K-12 principal at Northome School. Looking for a new adventure, Shannon and her family moved to Juneau from Northern Minnesota in 2011.
Jackie D’Cafango Kookesh
Jackie D’Cafango Kookesh is a retired educator of 30 years from Alaska’s public school system. As a former K-12 principal, middle school assistant principal, middle school teacher and art teacher, she joined Sealaska Heritage Institute as the Education Director with the responsibility for the management and development of educational programs for Alaska Native youth in Southeast Alaska. Sealaska Heritage Institute is a non-profit organization whose mission is to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures and to promote cross-cultural diversity and cultural understanding. She was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, and grew up in the Juneau Indian village. Jackie has made it her life’s purpose to advocate for the best education possible for Alaska Native students.
Sarah Dybdahl
Sarah Dybdahl is the Administrative Director of Sealaska Heritage Institute. During her time with SHI, Sarah has been responsible for coordinating and implementing the Latseen Leadership Academy. The academy focuses on both cultural and academic education with the purpose of encouraging Alaska Native youth to excel in school and pursue higher education. She grew up in Klawock, Alaska, a rural community on Prince of Wales Island, and was raised to know the importance of education and contributing to your community. Sarah strives to provide other Alaska Native youth with an opportunity to meet their full potential.
Why a conversation about educational programs in Juneau?
Education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. Successful completion of high school is crucial for young people to acquire employment suitable for sustaining a family and their general well-being. However, more than 1.2 million children in the United States drop out of high school each year. In Juneau, 5% of district students leave between 7th and 12th grade without a transcript request. Unfortunately, these numbers are even grimmer for Alaska Natives. Each year, the Alaska Native dropout rate is approximately twice that of the entire district.
Accessibility Guidelines for Allen Marine Tours:
Guests who require wheelchair assistance to participate must provide advance notice to United Way of Southeast Alaska. For detailed information about accessibility, please contact the Allen Marine service manager at (888) 289-0081.
Please Note: Bring a warm jacket to wear on deck and outdoors at Orca Point Lodge. Restrooms are available at all venues.
Generously donated to United Way of Southeast Alaska by Allen Marine Tours, Inc.